Change DC rule to commercially exploit Metro stations, state to BMC

Make necessary changes in the Development Control (DC) Rule so that all 27 stations on the Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd-Dahisar Metro line can be commercially exploited to reduce the cost of the project.

That’s what the state government has directed the municipal corporation.

After changes are made in the DC rule, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) — the implementing authority — can set up pay-and-parks up to 100 m away from the stations, built 100 sq m commercial galas (convenience shopping) on a concourse and earn revenue.

The proposal to change the DC rule — it oversees the development, mostly construction, of the city — will be tabled before the civic Improvements Committee, which deals with land matters, on Thursday.

“Committee members will discuss the issue and decide whether the proposal should be cleared,” said Yashodhar Phanse, chairman, Improvements Committee.

Last week, the MMRDA had extended the 32-km Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd Metro line up to Dahisar.

MMRDA had earlier planned Charkop-Dahisar as a separate 7.5-km Metro line, but work would have begun by 2016.

To expedite the work, MMRDA combined the two Metro lines. Work on this extended Metro line, estimated to cost Rs 13,000 crore, is likely to start by 2011.

The state Urban Development Department has sent the proposal to the municipal corporation to invite suggestions and objections from citizens.

If the Improvements Committee clears the proposal, the municipal commissioner will send it to the state government for final approval.